London Skolars first team through to Northern Rail Bowl

London Skolars will play either North Wales or Oldham in the inaugural Northern Rail Bowl at Halifax on Saturday 20th July.

Skolars, who are still to play their final group game against Rochdale, are already guaranteed top place in Group B to secure their place at the finals day at Halifax, and also secures their place in the knockout stages of the Northern Rail Cup.

The RFL’s Ralph Rimmer said: “On behalf of the RFL I’d like to congratulate London Skolars on securing their place in the Northern Rail Bowl.

“London Skolars continue to work hard and have established a strong identity within their local community, with the Friday Night Lights fixture a particular highlight of the Rugby League calendar. It is a just reward that the club are now in with a chance of securing some silverware – although I am certain they will also be hoping to go ever further in the competition.”

It will be the club’s first final in its history, 10 years since they joined the professional ranks in National League 2.

They were founded back in 1995 as the Student Rugby League Old Boys by Ian “Hector” McNeil, changing their name to London Skolars in 1997.

Should either London Skolars or the winners of Group A reach the Northern Rail Cup final, the club placed second in their respective group will play in the Northern Rail Bowl final.

The outcome of Group A hinges on North Wales Crusaders‘ trip to Hemel Stags, scheduled for Tuesday 23rd April, having been postponed last weekend.